LDV Convoy road tests and consumer car reviews

LDV Convoy LWB High Top 1999

I bought mine two years ago from Chepstow in Wales (eBay) for £725. It’s a 1999 T Reg 2.5TD Ford engine with 96k on the clock. It now has 109,000 on the clock and it’s just coming up for it’s MOT. I love this van even though it drives like an old tractor. In fact going up steep hills, I’ve even had a tractor or two get impatient with me and lol overtaken me, but I don’t care, I just love it. Like British Seagull outboards (and yes I’ve got one of those in the back too), it has no frills, it just ’quietly’ does what it’s supposed to. It has excellent load carrying ability, sticks to the road like glue, has a good heater in mine and returns approximately 32mpg. Well, I do cruise in neutral given the slightest opportunity. If you keep on top of the maintenance these engines will just keep going and going and going. It’s not going to win any prizes in the looks department, a bit like me, but whatever you throw at it she just keeps going. Of course she (Tom) has the usual wooly steering, the odd rattles from here and there and a few of it’s own unique quirks, but it’s comfortable and dare I say it, when you wind her up on a long journey seems to lap up the miles fairly effortlessly. Plenty of low end grunt, it actually turns heads when climbing up a steep hill lol. Got mine converted into a stealth camper. Pine bed in the back elevated on 4, 4" oak posts, living room is downstairs, the loo in it’s own separate room at the back, a kitchen and of course a woodburning stove for warmth. Tickety boo, it’s bloody lovely! Wouldn’t swap it for the world. The last full tank of fuel I put in (£105) was good for 775 miles (with a lot of coasting in neutral). It’s MOT is coming up late December 2011. It needs a new windscreen, having that done on Thursday. The kingpins might need greasing up. The power steering belt needs tightening. It needs two new tyres and the handbrake needs adjusting. Simple jobs. Think that’s about it. It’s had in the last 2 years: A new timing belt, new tyres, new front pads, new rear shoes, oil changes etc (never burns any oil) - I’m just so impressed with it. In fact she’s beautiful and I thoroughly recommend them to anyone. Come January, this one is heading off around Europe for a good 10,000 mile drive and I’ve got complete trust in her ability to deliver. At 6’6" tall even I can stand up straight (almost) in the back and driving? Plenty of legroom. Perfect. 10/10. Jeremy Clarkson eat your heart out lol.

Responses to this review

Hi, have you got a Ldv 400 d Ugv? - Dean Boland from Hampshire

LDV Convoy 400D UGV 1999

My LDV 400D UDV has been converted to a motorhome and I love it to bits. It has a Ford 2.5T running gear, it does 50 miles an hour down hill, up hill, all day long and runs with no problems. It also has air suspension and loads of room. It’s British, has no fancy toys and is very reliable.

LDV Convoy Hi Top SWB Van 1996

We have driven an LDV Convoy from the UK to Bulgaria and back a number of times. Its 2,000 miles each way and the van was fully laden on the way out. This particular van has the Peugeot engine, which whilst not having startling performance does have the virtue of just going on for ever. Loaded or empty, short or long journies the MPG does not vary much being 27 point something all the time. Three up in the cab is a bit snug but not uncomfortable even for those of generous proportions. Long days were no problem. People have said "You would not do that again would you?" Well yes we would. Indeed another LDV van (1999 Banana engined version) is due to make the trip within the next couple of months. We love ’em!

LDV Convoy LWB/HR 400 2.5 Di (Banana) 1998

Having seen LDV’s in the service of the Post Office and Royal Mail in UK, I got to drive my first 400 in Munich, Germany. There they are loathed, preferring (naturally) their own Mercedes Sprinter, which is considerably faster, quieter, more comfortable, better built, more refined, and two or three times as expensive. I drove my first ’wide’ LDV from Munich to Berlin to Hamburg to Munich, round trip approx 1000 miles. At first I really didn’t fancy the trip in this vehicle, I doubted it would make it back as it was far from new! Anyway, fully loaded and dragging a twin axle trailer I set off. Immediately I knew it wasn’t going to break any land speed records but it didn’t seem to lack in the grunt department. Loaded, it was comfortable, in a basic sort of way. The basic radio/cassette kept me ’entertained’. (the speakers need better quality - mine were very tinny). It settled down to a steady 50 mph, (the German Police - the B.R.G. are very hot on truck speeds so you don’t push your luck). Even over the really big hills on the way to Berlin the LDV showed lots of effort, but that growl from the 2.5 Di is pain. Economically though, I was pleasantly surprised, the same trip a week earlier in a Sprinter returned approx 18-20 mpg, the LDV returned 24, not much to write home about but over a thousand miles thats a big saving. I had a full bulkhead so draughts were not a problem, those vans with half or no bulkhead can be very cold and the heater is pathetic. After a few years experience there are a few points worth mentioning: Maintenance is everything, especially with LDV’s, neglect it at your cost, keep it maintained and it will serve you well. 1, The steering is c**p, it wanders around with a mind of its own, and it has never improved on any 400 that I have driven. 2, The brakes are not the best, they will stop you, but you need a good heart and plenty of boot. (on a trip to Piacenza, Italy over Europa Brucke and down the massive pass to Bolzano I thought a few toilet rolls would have been a good addition to my overnight bag!) 3, The 2.5Di (Banana) engine is a good reliable lump, keep it well maintained and it will do a million miles, and never let you down, fast it ain’t, but it’s bullet proof. Pity it didn’t have a turbo. 4, L.D.V. stands for Lousy Dented Van - according to my German friends, can you imagine the look on their faces when their broken down Sprinters were dragged home by my van? LOL, it was a joy to behold. 5, If its cold outside, dress well, the heater is next to useless. 6, A bigger fuel tank would have been useful. 7, The LDV is a working van, it’s robust, has no frills, bells or whistles, it will serve you well if you take care of it. I am happy to say my workhorse is a ’W reg’ LDV 400. I wouldn’t change it for anything. And BROWN needs shooting for killing the company.

LDV Convoy LWB 2003

Ibought my 03 LDV Convoy LWB a couple of months ago off eBay. The only complaint I have is that the steering is a bit sloppy, other than that it is a really good van. I admit it can be a bone shaker, like the LDV Pilot I had a few years before but as it goes for value for money and reliabilty it is worth every penny. Avoid like the plague the Citroen Relay and its evil cousins, they will bankrupt you!!!

LDV Convoy 2003

Steering very sloppy and very rough brakes, quite a basic van otherwise good tough machine.

LDV Convoy 9 Seater Crew Cab / Splitter 2000

Company vehicle used for touring bands - have previously used Merc’s, Transits, VW’s - all ridiculously expensive. This was a genius buy. Picked her up 2nd hand for £2.5k - Only ever had one problem with it since new (in 3 years) fan/alternator belt thing went - RAC fixed it in 30 mins - cost: £20.00 Have travelled the length and breadth of Europe in this, carrying up to 9 people at a time plus a shed load of amps, drum equipment etc. Never skipped a beat. Yes - it’s not the most comfortable bus in the world but dirt cheap to run, hi top so doesn’t feel claustrophobic - deals with the hard life of a band van and all the knocks - built like a tank. Occasionally need to re tighten a few screws on the doors etc, as it rattles it’self loose. but for this kind of money - well - you can see why the army, air force, police and postal service use them.

LDV Convoy 1999

LDV Tipper, one word, LOVELY!

LDV Convoy 2002

I purchased a convoy ex military 3 years ago, it’s part crew cab van, the LDV bit is fine, bit dated, I couldn’t say the same for the Transit bits though. It’s had a new duel mass clutch at 101 thou miles, then blew the seals out of the slave cylinder when clutch was being bled costing 500 quid. Occasionally goes through the heater plugs on while we’re moving making it stunt stop, have to restart the engine to get going again. It’s had two alternator belts and the belt tensioner bearings are showing signs of wear. Also had a recon steering box fitted as the old one was weeping oil, but it failed mot for it. The steering pin doesn’t last if you don’t keep it greased. It tows a ifor williams trailer easy. It’s my second Convoy, my last one had the Peugeot turbo, that one was fine but steering box went on that one too, that’s why I got this one, you have too take engine out to get box out. I love the LDV, it’s a proper work horse, I’ve had 6 including the 200 models and I’d have another. Thanks alot brown for stuffing LDV, i’ll always hate you.

LDV Convoy LWB high roof 2002

Hi all, I bought a brand new 2007 transit that suffered over 50 breakdowns in 2 years [11,347 miles] and is now dead!! So I bought an LDV convoy 2002 3,5ton to replace it and I have to say what a great van. My mate serviced it and it cost £20 for genuine air, oil and fuel filters. I have beefed up all the doors with extra chubb locks, fitted a tracker and a 5,000watt inverter. The LDV is not a racing van but is happy to plod along in the pace of todays drivers. I would recommend an LDV to anyone as mine does over 350 miles to a tank of diesel. The transit was a woefull 24MPG. I would buy a new LDV today!

LDV Convoy 2.8 low roof 2000

Bought the van in June 07 for a little over £1000, so a great deal cheaper than other makes. This has the Transit running gear which has always worked fine and never let me down yet. On buying the van I let my local garage replace the cam belt, flush out the rad, service, pads etc. The starter motor packed up in France in October 07 (bump start at the port); this was replaced on return with a Ford one (not the Korean one that LDV use). It is now just under 2 years old with MOT next week the paintwork/body are starting to look a little worn/rust spots but as its a builders van it does have a hard life. It has taken me and my tools to my house in Brittany many times fully loaded and still does 70 -75 on the motorway with tow bar fitted (bought for £60 on eBay, brand new) - tows fine as said before. It is a little dated but at least you can still work on it without the need for a laptop. I can say that I am pretty happy with the van but have been thinking of changing for the Maxus but will wait to see if LDV survive their current cash crisis (or us!)

LDV Convoy Convoy 2003

I have quiet a few Convoy minibuses; the early ones (1996) run the Peugeot engine. I have one with 200k on it, still going great but maybe a little tired. A bit later, in 1998, they run the Ford DI; a great engine and coupled to the MT75 gearbox, simple and reliable. In 2001 the Ford Dura engine has a few faults but the same drivetrain as a transit for little money. Unlike some people I have not hired one of these for a day - I have worked and used them for 12 years. My opinion is that it is a good twin wheel reliable workhorse with no frills but do the work you bought them for if maintained. MY OPINION IF LDV HAD CONTINUED MAKING THEM ALONGSIDE THE MAXUS (YUK) THEY WOULD NOT BE IN THE TROUBLE THEY ARE NOW . I WOULD HAVE BOUGHT MORE AND SO WOULD HAVE MANY PEOPLE I KNOW WITHIN THE BUS INDUSTRY, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.

Responses to this review

Hi, I also have an LDV Convoy mini bus for a school contract. I am thinking of buying a younger minibus, what do you think of the LDV Maxus? - Eliz Ramsay from Dumfriesshire

Hi, you seem to be good at the Convoy stuff... Just got a 2.5 D 400 minibus 1998 S reg and wondering if it is a cam belt or cam chain? Any idea? Cheers - Steve Sanders from England

LDV Convoy Convoy LWB Hi-top 2002

Having made a last-minute ebay purchase on EBAY i was left requiring a van to move some large furniture from the New Forest up to Bath. A local hire company soon furnished me with a van, which turned out to be a 5 year old LDV convoy. Getting into the convoy is like climbing into a tardis in two ways. firstly, the cab is extremely spacious - due to the convoy’s large width compared to similar vans. Secondly you travel back in time to the 1970s when you settle into the basic interior. The controls, all large simple buttons, and the basic dashboard with very few dials and lights, are like something from another era. On starting the engine all those features which would be quite useful to remain still, such as the (manually adjusted) wingmirrors and gearstick, begin to vibrate. On depressing the accelerator the engine emits a roar which sounds like its in severe need of a packet of soothers. However, this does transmit to good power on the road, and, even unladen, the convoy holds the road as if its stuck there with glue. Acceleration when empty was good, and the convoy coped with all the hills i threw at it. The (loosely fitted) plywood bulkhead didnt fill me with confidence when the back was full of furniture, especially as there seemed to be little to tie it to! However, the chances of stuff moving around when breaking with the convoy’s pathetic brakes were fairly low! All in all an uninspiring vehicle to drive, but an experience for anyone who wants to make their own car or van seem like a luxury model!

Responses to this review

Exactly mate,makes a car seem like luxury!! I’ve had a ’99 convoy with a luton body and something goes on it every month or so, bloody pathetic, time to sell - Mike Roden from England